Waltzing Matilda Virtual Choir Performance

We will #KeepTheMusicGoing
Musicians of the MSO, the MSO Chorus, and community members from across the world present this performance of Banjo Paterson’s ‘Waltzing Matilda’.
With over 260 submissions including entries from across Australia and as far as Spain, France and the United Kingdom, this performance also features Dale Barltrop, Monica Curro, Christopher Moore, Nicholas Bochner and Stephen Newton.
This commemorative ANZAC Day performance is proudly supported by Ryman Healthcare, Premier Partner of the MSO.
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Ensuring the health and wellbeing of MSO audiences, musicians and staff - including those integral members employed on casual and contract bases - is our priority. As a not-for-profit organisation, we are committed to ensuring the longevity and sustainability of the MSO and will continue to support workers and musicians through this uncertain period.
Thank you for your support.
Donate here: bit.ly/2UmDDqX
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To commemorate ANZAC Day, our Premier Partner Ryman Healthcare has compiled a collection of stories told by their residents who served in WW1. We thank them for their wartime service and for sharing their stories with us. If you would like to read these incredible anecdotes please view here: bit.ly/3aESbIm
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Chorus Master: Warren Trevelyan-Jones
Arrangement: Joseph Twist
Video edit: Tom Marley
This performance with the MSO Quartet and Stephen Newton was filmed in early April, 2020.
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[@neon8647]

50 year young german boy is crying now! So so beautyfull! I love it so much! Thank you!

[@WootTootZoot]

I just found this but I wanted to add a sentiment. I started working at the USPS in 1981. One of my co-workers was a man named Malcolm who was originally from Australia and had served in Australian Army during the 2nd world war. Through a long series of events, he ended up meeting an American woman who was a US Navy Nurse. They fell in love and were married. They moved to California, her original home, and settled into a quiet life, raised three beautiful children, who I am still in contact with, and lived a long and happy life together. Malcolm originally worked as a truck driver, but the days away from his dear family was not something he enjoyed, so he found a job as a Letter Carrier of the US Post Office Department. (later renamed U S Postal Service in 1971, although Malcolm always called it the Post Office Department) Malcolm was one of the first people I met when I was hired, and even though I was the same age as his youngest Son, we became good friends with a friendship that extended into the lives of his wife and children. He was the Best Man at my wedding, and his wife was the Maid of Honor, and who was still working as a Nurse, was with my wife and myself after both of our children were born, helping with so many of the challenges of a newborn. Malcolm would call on the phone every Sunday afternoon and would always start every conversation with "Hey Mate, what do you know?" I use to laugh because he had such a funny way of saying that, and I could never come up with anything witty as an answer. Through the years, we had so many travels and adventures together, even late one night getting chased by the cops for playing our bagpipes in a city cemetery. We got away. Anyway, long story short. Malcolm passed away a few years ago, just three months short of his 95th Birthday and only a month after his dear wife Lois had died. He was immensely proud of who he was, where he had served and where he had come from. He adopted his US Citizenship with pride and would always have his Australian flags out for ANZAC Day and his US flag out for (Veterans Day) November 11th. I miss him dearly, I still cry for him, and want to thank Australia for such a beautiful man. Cheers to all those who served.

[@keldaogg2157]

Thank you for that lovely story. You made the song even more beautiful.

[@markmh835]

What a beautiful story to share, and such a true friendship across generations and cultures. Malcolm (and his wife) sound like such fine, decent folks. He was a true representation of the Australian spirit. Someday, you simply must make a trip to Australia in his honor .... perhaps during Anzac commemorations.

[@charliifischer4916]

Thank you for sharing your story. Reading your words with this music brought tears of joy. God Bless from Australia.

[@lucialamprey2690]

Lovely.

[@1079walter]

Didn't even try to hold back the tears on this wonderful performance. Music and freedom are God's greatest gifts to mankind.

[@garyhiggins4850]

I do not care what anyone says, Waltzing Matilda is the one true National Anthem of Australia, and always will be! GOD BLESS.

[@kerrydoe7319]

Totally agree with you Gary:)

[@lindanorris2455]

My US Father fought in WW II: North Africa and Anzio. He always said the British drank tea and the Germans fought like monsters, but there was no one BRAVER! than an ANZAC soldier. They fought, against all odds. He said they were unstoppable, they fought until their death. ANZACS had to killed to be stopped! He loved this song all of his life.

[@lorettanazar2158]

A Canadian here. Just in tears. Beautiful. And this song always brings memories of "And The Band Played Waltzing Matilda" which is as beautiful.

[@sarapulford5957]

🇬🇧 I'm an 82 year old Brit who was sad when I read Anzac Celebrations had been cancelled. I have just found this wonderful choir and orchestra which filled me with great pleasure. I learned and understood the meaning of the words of this song when I was fairly small and though I'd forgotten a lot of them I enjoyed joining in with what I remembered. I prayed constantly for rain during the fires and now I pray for regeneration. Stay Safe and Stay Sane. 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱💖

[@bethelbrethrenassembly5309]

Good to listen the melodious singing

[@timm2428]

As a single yank, just know we wont ever forget our anzac brothers and sisters.We who have seen war, will never stop seeing it. In the silence of the night, we will always hear the screams. So this is our story, for we were soldiers once, and young

[@jamiesonstephens4973]

How to bring the world together. I bow dow to you.

[@kateleblanc604]

From Canada: Distance has no impact on Remembrance. We will Remember them!

[@cacampbell3654]

From Canada 🇨🇦 too! Heartfelt gratitude for this beautiful commemoration!!!

[@lenbelton248]

@@cacampbell3654 We will not forget

[@cynicalPixels]

This song has nothing to do with veteran's you planks

[@ashiexglcwfan7583]

My poppy went to the war :( OMG and he died :(( !!! For lest we forget:) :(

[@zensync]

@Zoë Balafoutis Lest we forget

[@Vics251]

From England, I always love to hear this song. 🇬🇧🇦🇺

[@charleschang3399]

Wonders of modern technology, bringing a virtual choir together in perfect harmony and timing.

[@jimfranklin9770]

From the USA...this goes beyond the words and music. This testifies of the soul and the spirit of the singers and musicians and the meaning behind this performance. Absolutely beautiful and soul stirring. Thank you all.

[@miketaylor5212]

@JRRnotTolkien Virginian here, what you said!

[@alhambralions5985]

Mike Taylor Another Virginan, echoing you all.

[@llwyde1104]

Wonderful...do watch Côr Ona Calon Lân too!

[@bodegabreath4258]

New Englander here. I really had to think long - all of twenty seconds - and hard - as hard as I ever think about anything. - whether I wanted to listen to this or not. Knowing what I was in for, I listened. Needless to say, wonderful. Not so wonderful: now I’m not going to get the song - or the performance - out of my head for a good long while. Always has before.

[@Nevada_Dan]

A resident of Nevada here. Waltzing Matilda grips my soul like few songs are able. I think in the end, it's you Aussies and we Yanks who can TRULY appreciate this song because it represents liberty, freedom and an undying love and unquenchable thirst for the same.

[@josephmckenna3977]

God bless Australia & New Zealand,all our love from Liverpool UK xxxxxxx

[@charleseldridge9365]

My father Major Victor Eldridge 415 Squadron RCAF WW2 flew missions with the brave men of 455 RAAF and 489 RNZAF. He was proud to have fought along side of his fellow Collonials.

[@johnthomson7696]

I’m not crying. Someone’s cutting onions.

[@sarapulford5957]

🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@cokeefe5]

Me too.

[@1thomson]

You've really got to stop using my name! LOL. 1thomson, otherwise known as John Thomson.

[@johnsanders2266]

Well I am Mate!

[@Dewdaahman]

Imagine this group singing praises to our father..

[@eucitizen78]

This makes my eyes water

[@iadertina]

🇭🇷 So lovely... from Croatia... 😊

[@tink5265]

Memory lane: back in the 1950s; I was a young girl, with a good voice, in California (USA). I was selected for an all-county choir that gave many public performances. Our chorus teacher taught us this song, and to this day I can recall almost all the words. It captivated my imagination, completely, Although I've never been to Australia, and may never get there, hearing this song takes me back to my childhood and to the magic it evokes, the longing in me, for a continent and its people. Thank you for lighting my heart up.

[@nhmooytis7058]

Tink don’t give up, I’m American and didn’t get to Aussie til I was 65! Now I live in SYD!

[@edemontfort9482]

That was lovely. Never stop singing.

[@donnawang7617]

So wonderful story. We love you from Australia.

[@cokeefe5]

This made me cry - I can tell how much this song means to all of you in Australia. God bless you, and keep you safe.

[@bkkbound]

They shall not grow old As we that are left grow old Age shall not weary them nor the years condemn At the going down of the sun and in the morning We will remember them...

[@jacksonjibit]

My secondary school here in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah (Jesselton), North Borneo was built by the Australian & New Zealand army personnel back in the days after the 2nd world war, hence the name of the school is SANZAC - Sabah Australia New Zealand Army Corps. The school is situated in Sembulan, Kota Kinabalu, near the state Mosque. When i hear this song, i remember the my old school and the effort by these soldiers to build my school. Thnk you for the beautiful song.

[@katystewart3022]

Thank you for this information. so nice to know. I hope everything is going well with you.

[@melodytenisch6232]

🙏💖😊

[@annahkurtin9665]

I learned this song in an elementary school in the US in 1957. I love it. Thanks to the commentator who told us the meaning of the words. I suppose unshorn sheep look like clouds at a distance. Lovely.

[@Allchemicus]

From Poland - with tears in eyes. Respect !

[@debbiegibson3604]

I've never even been to Australia, but I got tears in my eyes. My late father spent almost two years in Townsville during World War II.

[@woodrowelmore2521]

My dd was serving on a troop ship in the Pacific. He had fond memories of the treatment US servicemen got from the New Zealanders when his ship docked. He especially had good words for the NZ Salvation Army people who went out of their way to see that visiting American personnel were appreciated.

[@violetdafox6886]

I don’t know why but this song makes me so sad 😔 😔😔😔😔😔😔😔😔😔😔😔😔😔

[@shelleyvanelli6749]

My grandmother used to sing this song to me when I was a little kid. Thanks for digging up a memory. 🇨🇦

[@miti4772]

I’ve never heard my name so many times in a couple of minutes

[@bobschwartz6619]

Brilliant! Love to all from the U.S.A.!

[@kerrydoe7319]

Hope your doing ok over there Bob. Take care and all the best from this Aussie

[@bobschwartz6619]

@@kerrydoe7319 Thank you, Kerry. The media is showing what's important to them, but there's a good and growing sense of optimism, determination and humor at the people level. I visited Australia 20 years ago. Loved the people and the landscape! Thanx for reaching out. All the best to you and yours, Bob

[@kerrydoe7319]

@@bobschwartz6619 I visit USA every year except this year of course due to Covid . My daughter lives there and i really call USA my second home. I hope to be back very soon. A lot going on there but i look forward to the day it all settles down and gets back to some kind of normal. I miss my daughter and America. All the best Bob.

[@eviloverlordsean]

From the Americas, we have always proudly fought beside our Kiwi and Ozzy brothers and sisters... in peace and war, we are one

[@Patrick_Cooper]

From they US. We need this now in our cities...

[@gloriakoch4242]

Memories of learning this song in school. Thank you. Someday the world will return to normal and I will get to see Matilda waltzing.

[@winterrobinson403]

Beautiful, Just Beautiful. As an American, I don't have the context for the song, but i understand the maning, I cried listening to this wonderful art. Thank you an god bless.

[@christopherwhite1648]

I don't know why, but this song always brings tears to my eyes. This version is especially moving.

[@johnkarantee4779]

Thank you from Greece

[@cherylann9781]

I am an American and have always loved this song. We learned it in elementary school and I’m pretty sure we sang it at my 4th grade open house. It is so beautifully melodic and stays with you hours after you hear it. This was a particularly beautiful rendition.

[@robtaylor1059]

As an Aussie we sort of take this song for granted but as I grow older (62) it takes on more and more meaning and you're right!, the melody is undeniable;)

[@sfcretired1166]

Sadly, not many of my countrymen know of the huge sacrifices and incredible courage of the ANZAC forces, especially those of WWI. My Dad knew of them and taught me about them. He was in France the day the guns fell silent in 1918. RIP soldiers, you are not forgotten.

[@karl-heinrichknaust2793]

From Germany tot Australia: Theresa is no distance from heart To heart, so many feelings warming up. Thanks a Lot.

[@ArchFundy]

I've been sitting here for five minutes looking for words to describe how much this touched me. A tear trickles down my cheek as I set it to replay. Be well. This old Canadian says thank you all.

[@bentoenjes6553]

The people of Australia and New Zealand are a tough, kind, descent and good people. I've always loved "Waltzing Matilda" and the Melbourne Symphony have done a beautiful presentation of this wonderful music. It brought tears to my eyes. Good at ya! Ken Toenjes

[@wandalazure2217]

Although a Canadian, I have lived in Australia twice, in the '70's and '80's, 18 months the first time and a year the second time. I love Australia like a second home so was very moved by this beautiful rendition. Thank you!

[@janedc5ch319]

From Texas USA Simply Beautiful

[@victornoronha7341]

I'm Brazilian. Love Australiam people.

[@patriciafeeley7997]

That was the most moving version of that song I have ever experienced ! Never met a Kiwi or Aussie I didn’t like just beautiful

[@audreyt1685]

How beautiful! Years ago I had the privilege of visiting the huge memorial / cemetery in Turkey where so many young men from Australia and New Zealand lost their lives. Such an emotional experience to see the head stones, to realize how young they all were, how their families must have wept and felt the pain of their loss. This song reminds me of that quiet place of final rest. It is a wonderful tribute.

[@user-qo3jh9mn1t]

Last night I told my brother that our paternal grandmother's name was Matilda. He'd never known. This video was the first one to come up tonight. So, bedroll or grandmother, a symbol of comfort. Thank you so much for lighting up a dark time. I think the post-pandemic world will be lit with song because of groups like you.

[@markmh835]

In the years and decades to come, this performance will stand as a testament to a time when people worldwide were stranded in isolation but yearned for human connection. It will be a metaphor of self-sacrifice for the good of the whole, but also a coming together to jointly confront a foe -- much like ANZAC itself. This, my friends, is a multi-layered masterpiece. The Melbourne Symphony Orchestra and all of Australia should be so proud. 🇦🇺 👍

[@smarbun]

I am an Indonesian citizen and have never been to Australia. Since I was 5 or 6 years old or around 1985 I heard this song because a cousin of mine had just returned from Australia and taught us this song.

[@judithgockel1001]

U.S. oldie here. Beautiful, and memorable for a remembered time.

[@johnsanders2266]

Thank you ANZAC 's one and all! From Your True Friends in UK!

[@bucksix1]

I don't know how man times I have listened to various performances of this song. but the tears always flow like niagara falls. Actually I have never been to Australia in person but I feel like I am there whenever I listen to this.

[@melkiorwiseman5234]

Waltzing Matilda, explained: Swagman = An itinerant worker, who travelled around on foot carrying his belongings (his swag). Matilda = The swagman's bedroll, so named because it's "the only woman he sleeps with" Waltzing Matilda = The bedroll was often carried at the hip, so it swung back and forth as the swagman walked along. The movement was similar in some respects to the way a man would swing a woman around during a lively waltz, hence to walk around while carrying one's bedroll was called "waltzing Matilda" Billabong = A curve of a stream which has been cut off due to the water flow changing direction, also known as an oxbow lake. Coolabah/Coolibah = A type of eucalyptus tree. Billy = A tin pot, usually hung over a fire to boil water in to make a hot drink. Also used for general cooking. Jumbuck = A male sheep. Tucker bag = Tucker means food, so it's a food bag. Squatter = In this context, someone who occupies unused crown land and develops and farms it. Trooper = Soldier. Filled the role of a policeman before the police force was established. Edit to add: The fact that the squatter was riding a thoroughbred horse indicates that he was wealthy and could well afford to lose a single sheep, and the fact that he brought three troopers with him indicates overkill in enforcing the law.

[@peggylonett3980]

Thanks for explaining. I never knew the meaning behind the song.

[@iamdonald7438]

Melkior

[@iamdonald7438]

Melkior Wisema

[@rhymeswithbockey]

Thank you! I never understood...

[@pattimuse1]

Thanks for explaining the words!😊

[@mrb257]

Malta calling, Brilliant!Thank you!

[@ronclark9724]

One of my Aunts was a Aussie lassie who married one of my uncles during the Second World War. She taught me this song and what the Aussie words meant.

[@ferriferoustourmaline]

this was unexpectedly beautiful. I cried.

[@jennifermason9557]

Me too!

[@petermcculloch4933]

So did I.

[@edemontfort9482]

Me too, and I'm not even Australian! I once had a beautiful black Australian chicken, an Australorp, named Matilda after this song. That was an awesome, moving performance. Poignant. Hearts, memories, tears.

[@janicehursh]

Me too 🇨🇦.

[@utubehelps2267]

@@edemontfort9482 (1) kzbin.info/www/bejne/apPKmKRjfbB3kKc (2) kzbin.info/www/bejne/r6LSe6Ftnt2UmrM (3) kzbin.info/www/bejne/aHzCp5SAp7aEqNk

[@tm41985]

As an Aussie born but now living in New York I thank you for bringing back the wonderful memories of hearing Waltzing Matilda sung so beautifully it was Bonza !

[@atozzerotoninedude]

Beauty. Beauty.

[@sjmnic]

Damn it, I wasn't intending to shed a tear, but that was beautiful. My dear sweet mothers name was Matilda and I think of her every time I hear this song. Bravo!

[@janicehursh]

I am from 🇨🇦. Your video appeared on my KZbin home page. WOW!! With the choir & the symphony that was WELL DONE!! I know "Waltzing Matilda" is special to you "down under".🇦🇺

[@robertmurray6043]

From a dad in Scotland who had two children born in NSW. Have to say what an amazing production of a song that always brings a tear to my eye. Advance Australia!

[@riccardo50001]

So beautiful and touching!!! Whoever came up with this idea to do a virtual choir deserves a Nobel Peace Prize. I was especially positive to move in closer to the many faces. Thanks! Whoever did this!!!

[@PollyChristie]

This was such an honour to be a part of, thanks to all the artists involved. Singing makes the world a better place :O

[@benjaminlindner7463]

Virtually brilliant.

[@killmrdarcy4367]

Thanks for your contribution, Polly - very much appreciated.

[@nickathans78]

Polly Christie You deserve many thanks for an awesome effort! I’ve watched it many times over

[@barbarabaldwin7120]

XOXOXOXOOXO

[@sarapulford5957]

🇬🇧 I've recently pre-arranged my funeral and I've chosen "I'd Like To Teach The World to Sing In Joyous Harmony" as part of my music. It's essential to health and should be a compulsory part of a school curriculum.

[@juner.7310]

Love from England 😘😘

[@carolynking1625]

I had no idea what these things were. Swagarts, billabongs, etc. But I loved this song as a child anyway. A younger neighbor I made friends with on Peckham Hill Road in Sherborn MA in the early 1970's named her sweet little dog Matilda from this song. I envied her for thinking of naming a pet after this song I loved.

[@markmh835]

Even as a North American, I am greatly moved by this performance. If you would deeply forgive me for lightly imposing my culture on yours, this production would appear to be the very epitome of the official motto of the United States: "E Pluribus Unum" -- From Among Many, One. Bravo! 😊👍 🇦🇺 🇳🇿

[@aaronwilson2988]

Frasier Crane? Is that u?

[@vinehood5556]

From Minneapolis MN - USA - Stunningly beautiful! Thank you!!

[@lyleelkins5526]

This brought tears to my eyes. It has been decades since I visited Australia. It's still has a special place in my heart. Lovely performance.

[@nitaweber6532]

from the USA: Can't express in words my thanks to you all for the beautiful performance. Music has truly been a saving talent during this lockdown that has united many from distant countries. Thanks again, my heart is full.

[@mayalino2269]

Beautiful. Thank you. From the Land of the Long White Cloud Aotearoa, New Zealand.

[@roslynmccourt2749]

A beautiful and touching performance. Thank you to the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra and to all who made this presentation possible.

[@MrACSRC]

It's amazing how the music and love perseveres through the toughest of times. Beautiful and powerful.

[@sunitavandermeulen4763]

Amazing! Greetings from the netherlands.

[@Jaggerchick1]

OMG I cant believe I haven't seen this in Australia before today. My friend sent it to me from the UK!!! Fabulous!! Spine tingling!! Bravo MSO and Chorus!!! Why doesnt the Main TV news show these amazing Videos instead of the sadness in the world.

[@RonRicho]

I'm speechless! One of the most beautiful of the many versions of this song that I've heard. I'm a Yank but I know the lyrics by heart and sing it in the shower. I grew up thinking that it was the Australian National Anthem. Maybe it should be. Thank you for posting this. I am once again moved to tears.

[@lizmallard7158]

Ron Richo you are not alone. I am an Aussie and I do hope that one day the polices will se fit to adopt this as our National Anthem. One can only hope. Thank you for your kind words.

[@robertoler3795]

from a Yank. just really well done. It is wonderful to see a bit of civility and joy in a tough time. it brought back memories of mucking around with Aussie forces in Iraq. thank you Robert G. Oler

[@ChefMimsy]

From the US: I remember learning this song when I was a small child, I think about 2nd or 3rd grade. It would have been around 1963. Always loved it. This was a beautiful rendition. Thank you.

[@wawabubu100]

I heard this melody at Radio Australia on short wave listening. From Japan.

[@lindanorris2455]

GORGEOUS!

[@joygaiser458]

Just beautiful- I counted 336 people- so amazing- thank you for sharing this!

[@jilliewillie8720]

Just lovely! Thank you so much from the USA!🇱🇷

[@e.conboy4286]

What a great surprise! Thanks to the whole world! PEACE!

[@carolynostafin699]

Our family lived in Australia for 4 1/2 wonderful years, and this song just brings back so many awesome memories for me. Wonderful song and a beautiful place to live, even for the short time our family was there.

[@celticgypsy11]

Also from the USA: this is utterly beautiful. Thank you so very much.

[@Timhey0912]

Delaware USA That was Truly Amazing, Thank you for sharing this with the world. We need that kind of Love! Bless each of your Hearts!

[@EastValleyChorale]

Very nice. Thanks for the work required to produce this video.

[@navairman1]

I am now 89 years old. This song made a great impression on me when learned in public school. I found that I still know the words. That was when Canada was a proud member of the British Commonwealth of Nations. We are still a member, but fewer people feel any allegiance to Britain any more. Great song from down under. Thank you.

[@susanesquer1520]

OUTSTANDING! Props to everyone involved! Love and prayers from Phoenix, Arizona! (15 July 2022)

[@anthonymendoza931]

It is a unique country that has an unofficial national song that glorifies a migrant worker (swagman) who doesn't mind sticking it to the rich (squatter). Very nice. Thanks.

[@catherinefisher8814]

I loved it! So proud to be a part of such an important occasion. Lest we forget.

[@Dion1957]

I'm American but I have been singing this song my whole life.

[@chengzhao6405]

Tears are in my eyes. I wish our children and grandchildren could still fathom the treasured idea of individual freedom and liberty of thoughts. The young generations are all most fully indoctrinated by canceling culture. Few of them are interested in learning the history which reveals the heavy toll the previous generations have paid for our freedom.

[@luckyfredneck]

Our Partners in every Modern United States War. Thank you!

[@earFront]

This presentation is fantastic. Thank you everyone.

[@johnlyetuckleemoe3333]

Bravo! Blessings to our friends down under.

[@sindykeng1214]

I've always loved this ..Sung it in school choir many many years ago... high school

[@2ezee2011]

my goodness that was AWESOME!! From the USA ...lump in my throat! Stunning folks!

[@catherinebulfin6426]

I loved being part of this - thank you to the organisers for putting this together.

[@bettyk8105]

Everyday we remember ❤️🤗

[@barriecharmsway8026]

from an old Aussie- Beautiful!!!!!